needn't

modal verb

Meaning

Expresses that there is no obligation or necessity to do something, implying it is optional or perhaps even undesirable.

Examples

You needn't come to the meeting if you're busy.
We needn't buy any more milk; we already have plenty.

Synonyms: don't have to, don't need to, have no need to, it is not necessary to

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needn't

modal verb

Pronunciation: ˈniːd(ə)nt

Definition

Expresses that there is no obligation or necessity to do something, implying it is optional or perhaps even undesirable.

Examples

You needn't come to the meeting if you're busy.
We needn't buy any more milk; we already have plenty.
He needn't have apologized; it wasn't his fault.

How to Use needn't

needn't + base verb (modal verb): Expresses that an action is not necessary. — "You needn't shout; I can hear you perfectly well."
needn't have + past participle (modal verb): Indicates that an action was performed, but it was not necessary, often implying regret or a waste of effort. — "She needn't have bought such an expensive gift; a small token would have been fine."

Synonyms of needn't

Words with a similar meaning to needn't:

Antonyms of needn't

Words with the opposite meaning to needn't:

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